Vancouver Improves Public Access to Thousands of Artists' Files
Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) Archivist Kristy Waller handling materials from the Vancouver Art Gallery’s artist files collection in ECU’s Special Collections + Artists’ Books room
The Vancouver Art Gallery and Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) have announced a five-year partnership significantly expanding public access to one of British Columbia’s most unique research collections.
Approximately 5,000 historic artist files will be loaned by the Gallery to the University’s Library and Archives. Spanning nearly a century from the Gallery’s founding in 1931 to the present day, these files document the history of art and artists in British Columbia, while offering insight into artists and practices not extensively documented elsewhere.
The files offer an intimate record preserving rare photographs, personal and artistic correspondence, artist statements, exhibition catalogues, newspaper and journal clippings, and other ephemera. The loan enhances ECU’s artist files which primarily include university materials such as prospectuses, student publications, newsletters, memos and exhibition files.
“Archival materials offer an extraordinary window into the ideas, relationships and creative practices that shape our cultural history,” said Eva Respini, Co-CEO & Chief Curator at the Vancouver Art Gallery. “We are thrilled to partner with Emily Carr University of Art + Design to expand access to these rare and remarkable materials. Our institutions have long been connected through the many artists who have taught, studied and worked at the university, and this partnership reflects our shared commitment to supporting artists, preserving their legacies and ensuring that B.C.’s rich artistic history continues to inform research and inspire future generations.”
In October 2025, ECU began celebrating its 100th anniversary with a wide-ranging suite of events, features and partnerships, including projects to reactivate the archives and deepen ties with the broader community.
“With ECU celebrating its centennial and the Vancouver Art Gallery celebrating its own milestone of 95 years, this partnership builds on nearly a century of shared dedication to the advancement of public access to art and design,” said Dr. Trish Kelly, President and Vice-Chancellor at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. “These materials represent an invaluable research tool for our faculty and students, and their presence on campus creates new pathways for community members and the public to discover our province’s cultural histories and envision exciting new futures.”
Access to the materials is available by appointment through the ECU Library + Archives.
